Shingles is what disease?

Written by Xie Ming Feng

Dermatology

Updated on September 05, 2024

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Shingles is primarily caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which enters the human bloodstream through the respiratory tract mucosa, leading to chickenpox or a latent infection. The virus then lies dormant in the nerve ganglia of the body. Certain triggers, such as trauma, fatigue, weakness after illness, malignant tumors, or the use of immunosuppressants, can decrease the body's resistance and activate the dormant virus, resulting in shingles.

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Written by Li Ya Ping

Dermatology Department

1min 7sec

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How long does it take for shingles to heal?

The symptoms of shingles can generally be divided into two categories. The first involves blisters on the skin, typically unilateral, and the second is that these blisters are often accompanied by pain, which varies in intensity from person to person. Generally speaking, the older the individual, the more severe the pain may be. As for the duration until recovery from shingles, the skin symptoms usually heal within two to three weeks for young people, but for older adults, it generally takes about three to four weeks. If the rash leads to a secondary infection, the recovery may take even longer. This is the duration for the alleviation of skin symptoms. If the condition involves nerve pain, the recovery might take longer. For people over 50, the duration of nerve pain can be significantly longer, and some may experience postherpetic neuralgia, where the skin symptoms have disappeared, but the nerve pain persists, possibly lasting for months or even years.

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Written by Yu Gang

Dermatology Department

37sec

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How long does herpes zoster take to heal?

The healing time for shingles varies from person to person; generally, younger people recover faster, while older individuals take longer. Treatment typically includes oral antiviral medications like famciclovir and acyclovir, as well as nutrients for nerve health such as vitamins B1 and B12, along with oral traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture. However, if it progresses to postherpetic neuralgia, the condition tends to heal more slowly. Postherpetic neuralgia can only alleviate pain but is generally difficult to cure completely.

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Written by Yu Gang

Dermatology Department

55sec

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Is herpes zoster the same as chickenpox?

Herpes zoster is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Typically, this virus causes chickenpox in children, but in adults, it manifests as herpes zoster, which is unrelated to chickenpox. The herpes zoster virus primarily attacks the nerves, causing neuralgia. Therefore, it is generally recommended to rest, consume a light diet, and avoid spicy foods, seafood, and rich foods. Treatment usually involves the use of acyclovir and valacyclovir for topical application. Oral nutritional supplements for the nerves, such as vitamin B1 and B12, and spleen peptides to enhance the body's immunity, are also recommended. It is important to rest and pay attention to these aspects. It is best to visit a local dermatologist for a proper diagnosis.

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Written by Xie Ming Feng

Dermatology

25sec

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Early symptoms of shingles

The prodromal symptoms of shingles primarily refer to mild fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, and general discomfort that occur before the rash appears. There is also a burning sensation and pain in the affected skin area, which feels significantly sensitive to touch. Generally, these symptoms can last from 1 to 5 days, but some people may not exhibit any prodromal symptoms and develop the rash directly.

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Written by Zhu Zhu

Dermatology

48sec

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What family does shingles belong to?

Shingles can be treated in three medical departments. First, dermatology. Since the blisters primarily appear on the skin, seeing a dermatologist can treat shingles. Second, neurology. As shingles may be caused by nerve damage, treatment can be sought from a neurologist. Third, for severe pain, especially if postherpetic neuralgia remains after shingles, one can consult the pain management department. The initial symptoms of shingles are mainly pain, particularly unilateral limb or unilateral scalp/facial pain.